Power amplification module

ABSTRACT

Provided is a power amplification module that includes: an amplification transistor that has a constant power supply voltage supplied to a collector thereof, a bias current supplied to a base thereof and that amplifies an input signal input to the base thereof and outputs an amplified signal from the collector thereof; a first current source that outputs a first current that corresponds to a level control voltage that is for controlling a signal level of the amplified signal; and a bias transistor that has the first current supplied to a collector thereof, a bias control voltage connected to a base thereof and that outputs the bias current from an emitter thereof.

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/201,999, filed onJul. 5, 2016, which claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No.2015-246193 filed on Dec. 17, 2015 and Japanese Patent Application No.2015-140390 filed Jul. 14, 2015. The contents of each of theseapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a power amplification module.

A power amplification module is used in a mobile communication devicesuch as a cellular phone in order to amplify the power of a radiofrequency (RF) signal to be transmitted to a base station. For example,in the global system for mobile communications (GSM) (registeredtrademark), the gain of a power amplification module is controlled inorder to realize slope control (ramp up and ramp down) for atransmission signal to be transmitted from a mobile communication deviceto a base station.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-100197, aconfiguration is disclosed in which a voltage Vldo output from a lowdrop out (LDO) regulator is supplied to a collector terminal of eachstage of a 3-stage amplifier in a power amplification module. In thisconfiguration, the gain of the power amplification module is controlledby adjusting the level of the voltage Vldo on the basis of a levelcontrol voltage Vramp.

In addition, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,605,651, a configuration is disclosed inwhich a voltage Vreg output from an LDO regulator is supplied to firstand second stages and a constant power supply voltage is supplied to athird stage in a power amplification module including a 3-stageamplifier.

In the configurations disclosed in Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2009-100197 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,605,651described above, an LDO regulator is used in order to control the gainof a power amplification module. Generally, in order to supply a largecurrent, the circuit scale of an LDO regulator is large.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure was made in light of the above-describedcircumstances and the present disclosure suppresses an increase in thesize of the circuit of a power amplification module that performs slopecontrol on a transmission signal.

A power amplification module according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure includes: an amplification transistor that has a constantpower supply voltage supplied to a collector thereof, a bias currentsupplied to a base thereof and that amplifies an input signal input tothe base thereof and outputs an amplified signal from the collectorthereof; a first current source that outputs a first current thatcorresponds to a level control voltage that is for controlling a signallevel of the amplified signal; and a bias transistor that has the firstcurrent supplied to a collector thereof, a bias control voltageconnected to a base thereof and that outputs the bias current from anemitter thereof.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an increase incircuit scale can be suppressed in a power amplification module thatperforms slope control on a transmission signal.

Other features, elements, characteristics and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of embodiments of the present disclosure with reference tothe attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example configuration of a transmission unit thatincludes a power amplification module according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of slope control of a transmission signal;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a voltage input to the poweramplification module;

FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module,which is an example of the power amplification module illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the configuration of an amplifier;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the configuration of a bias circuit;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the relationship between a base currentand a collector current in a transistor;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a bias current that changes in asubstantially square relationship with respect to a voltage;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the configuration of a current source;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example a proportional relationship between avoltage and a current;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the relationship between currents in asquare circuit;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the relationship between a gate-sourcevoltage and a drain current in a MOSFET;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the characteristics of a currentoutput from the square circuit;

FIG. 14 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module,which is an example of the power amplification module illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the configuration of a voltage source;

FIG. 16 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module,which is an example of the power amplification module illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 17 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module,which is an example of the power amplification module illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 18 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module,which is an example of the power amplification module illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of the configuration of a voltage source;

FIG. 20 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module,which is an example of the power amplification module illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 21 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit,which is a modification of the level detection circuit illustrated inFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit,which is a modification of the level detection circuit illustrated inFIG. 20;

FIG. 23 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit,which is a modification of the level detection circuit illustrated inFIG. 20; and

FIG. 24 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit,which is a modification of the level detection circuit illustrated inFIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described whilereferring to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates an example configurationof a transmission unit that includes a power amplification moduleaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A transmissionunit 100 is for example used in a mobile communication device such as acellular phone in order to transmit various signals such as speech anddata to a base station. Although such a mobile communication devicewould also be equipped with a reception unit for receiving signals fromthe base station, the description of such a reception unit is omittedhere.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transmission unit 100 includes a modulator110, a power amplification module 120, a front end unit 130 and anantenna 140.

The modulator 110 modulates an input signal on the basis of a modulationscheme such as GSM or enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) andgenerates a radio frequency signal for performing wireless transmission.The RF signal has a frequency of around several hundred MHz to severalGHz, for example.

The power amplification module 120 amplifies the power of the RF signal(RFin) up to the level that is required to transmit the RF signal to thebase station, and outputs an amplified signal (RFout). In addition, thepower amplification module 120 performs slope control on the amplifiedsignal (transmission signal) by controlling the gain on the basis of avoltage Vramp (level control voltage), which is for controlling thesignal level.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of slope control of a transmission signal.As illustrated in FIG. 2, in slope control, it is necessary that thesignal level of the transmission signal be controlled so as to liewithin a range between a lower limit DL and an upper limit UL. Inaddition, it is necessary that the signal level be controlled so as tomaintain a prescribed rate of change (slope) such that the signal levelof the transmission signal does not exceed the upper limit UL and doesnot fall below the lower limit DL in a location indicated by A in FIG. 2(rising region). In addition, it is necessary that the signal level becontrolled so as to maintain a prescribed rate of change such that thesignal level of the transmission signal does not exceed the upper limitUL and does not fall below the lower limit DL in a location indicated byB in FIG. 2 (falling region).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the voltage Vramp input to the poweramplification module 120. In the power amplification module 120, thesignal level of the transmission signal is controlled as illustrated inFIG. 2 by controlling the gain on the basis of the voltage Vramp, whichchanges as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Returning to FIG. 1, the front end unit 130 filters the amplified signaland switches a reception signal received from the base station. Theamplified signal output from the front end unit 130 is transmitted tothe base station via the antenna 140.

FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module120A, which is an example of the power amplification module 120. Thepower amplification module 120A includes amplifiers 400, 401 and 402,inductors 410, 411 and 412, matching networks (MN's) 420, 421, 422 and423, bias circuits 430, 431 and 432, a bias control circuit 440 and acurrent source 450.

The amplifiers 400 to 402 form a three-stage amplifier. The amplifier400 amplifies an RF signal input thereto and outputs an amplifiedsignal. The amplifier 401 amplifies the amplified signal (RF signal)output from the amplifier 400 and outputs an amplified signal. Theamplifier 402 amplifies the amplified signal (RF signal) output from theamplifier 401 and outputs an amplified signal. A constant power supplyvoltage Vcc is supplied to the amplifier 400. In addition, a biascurrent Ibias1 is supplied from the bias circuit 430 to the amplifier400. Similarly, the power supply voltage Vcc and a bias current Ibias2are supplied to the amplifier 401. The power supply voltage Vcc and abias current Ibias3 are supplied to the amplifier 402. The number ofstages of the amplifier is not limited to three and may be two or lessor four or more.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the configuration of the amplifier 400.As illustrated in FIG. 5, the amplifier 400 includes a transistor 500(amplification transistor). The transistor 500 is a heterojunctionbipolar transistor (HBT), for example. The power supply voltage Vcc issupplied to the collector of the transistor 500 via the inductor 410.The RF signal (RFin) is input to the base of the transistor 500. Inaddition, the bias current Ibias1 is supplied to the base of thetransistor 500. The transistor 500 has a common emitter. An amplifiedsignal (RFout1) is output from the collector of the transistor 500. Theamplifiers 401 and 402 have a similar configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the gain is controlled in the amplifier 400 byusing the bias current Ibias1. Although a configuration can also beconsidered in which the gain is controlled by using a bias voltageinstead of the bias current, there is better controllability with thebias current. This will be explained below. Ic represents the collectorcurrent, Vb the base voltage, Ib the base current, hFE the currentamplification factor, Is the saturation current, k the Boltzmanncoefficient, T the absolute temperature, q the elemental charge of anelectron and Vt the thermal voltage=kxT/q. In the case of control usingon the base voltage, ΔIc≈Is×exp (ΔVb/Vt). Therefore, controllability ispoor since the collector current Ic rapidly rises when the base voltageVb exceeds a threshold voltage. On the other hand, in the case ofcontrol using the base current, ΔIc=ΔIb×hFE. Therefore, controllabilityis good since the rate of change of the collector current Ic is constantwith respect to the base current Ib.

Returning to FIG. 4, the matching networks 420 to 423 are provided infront of and behind the amplifiers 400 to 402. The matching networks 420to 423 are circuits for matching impedances between the circuits. Thematching networks 420 to 423 are formed using capacitors and inductors,for example.

The bias circuits 430 to 432 supply the bias currents Ibias1 to Ibias3to the amplifiers 400 to 402. The bias currents Ibias1 to Ibias3 areadjusted on the basis of a bias control voltage V1 output from the biascontrol circuit 440 and a current I1 output from the current source 450.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the configuration of the bias circuit430. The bias circuit 430 includes a transistor 600 and diodes 610 and611. The transistor 600 (bias transistor) is an HBT, for example. Thediodes 610 and 611 are connected in series with each other, the anode ofthe diode 610 is connected to the base of the transistor 600 and thecathode of the diode 611 is grounded. The bias control voltage V1 issupplied to the base of the transistor 600. In addition, the current I1is supplied to the collector of the transistor 600. The bias currentIbias1 is output from the emitter of the transistor 600. The biascircuits 431 and 432 have a similar configuration. Transistors, whicheach have the collector and the base thereof connected to each other(diode connected), may be used instead of the diodes 610 and 611.

Returning to FIG. 4, the bias control circuit 440 outputs the biascontrol voltage V1 on the basis of a control voltage Vcnt. The biascontrol voltage V1 is constant while the transmission signal issubjected to slope control.

The current source 450 (first current source) outputs the current I1(first current) on the basis of the voltage Vramp. In the poweramplification module 120A, the current I1 is controlled in accordancevoltage Vramp and as a result the gains of the amplifiers 400 to 402 arecontrolled. The transmission signal is subjected to slope control as aresult of the gains of the amplifiers 400 to 402 being controlled.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the slope control, it is necessary that thechange in the signal level not be too gentle when the signal level isfalling (that is, in region where signal level is high). FIG. 7illustrates an example of the relationship between the base current Iband the collector current Ic in a transistor. As illustrated in FIG. 7,the change in the collector current Ic becomes gentle in a saturationregion of the transistor. The characteristic illustrated in FIG. 7 isthe same as in the transistors forming the amplifiers 400 to 402.Therefore, in the amplifiers 400 to 402, it is necessary to increase therate of change of the bias currents Ibias (make the slopes steeper) in aregion where the voltage Vramp is large as exemplified in FIG. 8 inorder to ensure that the change in the signal level is not too gentle inthe region where the signal level is high. The current source 450controls the current I1 in order that the bias currents Ibias change inthis way.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the configuration of the current source450. The current source 450 includes operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2,p-channel MOSFETs (MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MP5, MP6, MP7, MP8, MP9 andMP10), n-channel MOSFETs (MN1 and MN2), current sources Is1 and Is2 andresistors R1, R2 and R3.

The operational amplifier OP1, the p-channel MOSFETs (MP1 and MP2) andthe resistor R1 form a voltage-current conversion circuit 900 thatconverts the voltage Vramp into a current Iin.

The operational amplifier OP1 has the voltage Vramp supplied to anon-inverting input terminal thereof, an inverting input terminalthereof is connected to the drain of the p-channel MOSFET (MP1) and anoutput terminal thereof is connected to the gate of the p-channel MOSFET(MP1). The p-channel MOSFET (MP1) has a power supply voltage Vddsupplied to the source thereof and the drain thereof is connected to afirst terminal of the resistor R1. A second terminal of the resistor R1is grounded. The p-channel MOSFET (MP2) has the power supply voltage Vddsupplied to the source thereof, the gate thereof is connected to thegate of the p-channel MOSFET (MP1) and the drain thereof is connected tothe drain of the n-channel MOSFET (MN1).

The voltage at the first terminal of the resistor R1 is the voltageVramp due to an imaginary short between the non-inverting input terminaland the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. If wedenote the resistance value of the resistor R1 as R1, a current Ia1 thatflows to the p-channel MOSFET (MP1) is Vramp/R1. Then, since thep-channel MOSFETs (MP1 and MP2) are connected in a current mirroringmanner, a current Iin output from the p-channel MOSFET (MP2) has a valuethat corresponds to the voltage Vramp.

The n-channel MOSFETs (MN1 and MN2), the p-channel MOSFETs (MP3 to MP8)and the current source Is1 form a square circuit 910 that outputs acurrent Iout that changes in a substantially square relationship withrespect to the current Iin.

The n-channel MOSFET (MN1) has the drain thereof connected to the drainof the p-channel MOSFET (MP2), the gate thereof connected to the drainthereof and has a common source. The n-channel MOSFET (MN2) has thedrain thereof connected to the drain of the p-channel MOSFET (MP3), thegate thereof connected to the gate of the n-channel MOSFET (MN1) and hasa common source.

The p-channel MOSFET (MP5) has the power supply voltage Vdd supplied tothe source thereof, has the gate thereof connected to the drain thereofand has the drain thereof connected to the source of the p-channelMOSFET (MP3). The p-channel MOSFET (MP3) has the gate thereof connectedto the drain thereof and has the drain thereof connected to the drain ofthe n-channel MOSFET (MN2).

The p-channel MOSFET (MP6) has the power supply voltage Vdd supplied tothe source thereof, has the gate thereof connected to the drain thereofand has the drain thereof connected to the current source Is1. Thecurrent source Is1 outputs a constant current Iset. The p-channel MOSFET(MP7) has the power supply voltage Vdd supplied to the source thereof,has the gate thereof connected to the gate of the p-channel MOSFET (MP6)and has the drain thereof connected to the source of the p-channelMOSFET (MP4). The p-channel MOSFET (MP4) has the gate thereof connectedto the gate of the p-channel MOSFET (MP3) and has a common drain.

The p-channel MOSFET (MP8) has the power supply voltage Vdd supplied tothe source thereof, the gate thereof is connected to the source of thep-channel MOSFET (MP4) and the drain thereof is connected to a firstterminal of the resistor R2.

The square circuit 910 outputs the current lout, which changes in asubstantially square relationship with respect to the current Iin, fromthe drain of the p-channel MOSFET (MP8). The details of operation of thesquare circuit 910 will be described later.

An output driver circuit 920 is formed of the operational amplifier OP2,the current source Is2, the p-channel MOSFETs (MP9 and MP10) and theresistors R2 and R3. The output driver circuit 920 amplifies the currentIout up to the level that is required for the current I1 to be suppliedto the bias circuits 430 to 432. In the case where the current Iout canbe used as the current I1 without being amplified, the output drivercircuit 920 need not be provided.

The current source Is2 outputs a constant current Ioff (offset current)to the first terminal of the resistor R2. The operational amplifier OP2has a non-inverting input terminal thereof connected to the firstterminal of the resistor R2, an inverting input terminal thereofconnected to a first terminal of the resistor R3 and an output terminalthereof connected to the gate of the p-channel MOSFET (MP9). Thep-channel MOSFET (MP9) has the power supply voltage Vdd supplied to thesource thereof and has the drain thereof connected to the first terminalof the resistor R3. A second terminal of the resistor R3 is grounded.The p-channel MOSFET (MP10) has the power supply voltage Vdd supplied tothe source thereof and has the gate thereof connected to the gate of thep-channel MOSFET (MP9).

If we denote the resistance value of the resistor R2 as R2 and thecurrent that is output from the current source IS2 as Ioff, a voltageVa1 that is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of theoperational amplifier OP2 is (Iout+Ioff)×R2. The voltage at the firstterminal of the resistor R3 is the voltage Val due to an imaginary shortbetween the non-inverting input terminal and the inverting inputterminal of the operational amplifier OP2. If we denote the resistancevalue of the resistor R3 as R3, a current Ia2 that flows to thep-channel MOSFET (MP9) is Val/R3. Then, since the p-channel MOSFETs (MP9and MP10) are connected to each other in a current mirroring manner, thecurrent I1, which is output from the p-channel MOSFET (MP10), is acurrent obtained by amplifying the current Iout.

Next, the details of operation of the square circuit 910 will bedescribed. The sizes of the p-channel MOSFETs (MP3 and MP4) are made tobe the same and the sizes of the p-channel MOSFETs (MP5 and MP8) aremade to be the same. Id1 denotes a current that flows through then-channel MOSFET (MN2) and Id2 denotes a current that flows through thep-channel MOSFET (MP4). In addition, Iset denotes a current that isoutput from the current source Is1. Iset is constant, but it is assumedthat Iset∝Iin for the purposes of this explanation. In addition, it isassumed that Id1=Id2. Under these conditions, Vramp∝Iin, Iin∝Id1 andIset∝Id2.

Va denotes the drain voltage of the p-channel MOSFET (MP5), Vb denotesthe drain voltage of the p-channel MOSFET (MP7) and Vc denotes the gatevoltage of the p-channel MOSFET (MP4). In addition, Vgs3, Vgs4, Vgs5 andVgs8 denote the gate-source voltages of the p-channel MOSFETs (MP3, MP4,MP5 and MP8), respectively.

Va=Vdd−Vgs5. In addition, Vc=Va−Vgs3 and Vb=Vc +Vgs4. Therefore,Vb=Vdd−Vgs5−Vgs3+Vgs4. Furthermore, since Vb=Vdd−Vgs8,Vdd−Vgs8=Vdd−Vgs5−Vgs3+Vgs4.

In the case where Id1=Id2, since Vgs3=Vgs4, Vgs5=Vgs8. Therefore, thep-channel MOSFETs (MP5 and MP8) form a pseudo current mirror circuit.Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the proportional relationshipVramp∝Iout holds true.

However, in reality, as illustrated in FIG. 11, in the square circuit910, Id1 is a current that is proportional to Vramp, but Id2 is acurrent (constant current) that is proportional to Iset. Therefore, inthe square circuit 910 Id1 is not equal to Id2. In the square circuit910, the current Iout is made to change by utilizing the mismatchbetween the current Id1 and the current Id2. This will be explainedbelow.

First, a case where Id1<Id2 will be described. Vdd−Vgs8=Vdd−Vgs5−Vgs3+Vgs4 from the relationship between Va and Vb describedabove. Therefore, Vgs8=Vgs5+Vgs3−Vgs4. In the case where Id1<Id2, sinceVgs3<Vgs4, Vgs8<Vgs5. Thus, Iout falls below the proportionalrelationship illustrated in FIG. 10. In the p-channel MOSFET (MP8),since there is a region in which Vgs6<a threshold voltage Vth, a curvedcharacteristic appears between a dead zone and a non-linear region inIout as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Next, a case in which Id1>Id2 will be described. As described above,Vgs8=Vgs5+Vgs3<Vgs4. In the case where Id1>Id2, since Vgs3>Vgs4,Vgs8>Vgs5. Thus, Iout exceeds the proportional relationship illustratedin FIG. 10.

Combining the case where Id1<Id2 and the case where Id1 <Id2, thecharacteristics of Iout are as illustrated in FIG. 13. Thus, the currentIout output from the square circuit 910 is a current that changes in asubstantially square relationship with respect to the voltage Vramp. Thecurrent I1 output from the current source 450 is a current obtained byamplifying the current Iout and therefore the current I1 is also acurrent that changes in a substantially square relationship with respectto the voltage Vramp. In other words, the rate of change of the currentI1 in the case where the voltage Vramp is at a comparatively high level(second level) becomes larger than the rate of change of the current I1in the case where the voltage Vramp is at a comparatively low level(first level). Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the rates of changeof the bias currents Ibias1 to Ibias3 that are supplied to theamplifiers 400 to 402 can be made large in a region where the voltageVramp is large. Thus, it is easy to perform slope control on atransmission signal as illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module120B, which is an example of the power amplification module 120.Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120A illustrated in FIG. 4 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

The power amplification module 120B includes a voltage source 1400 inaddition to the elements included in the power amplification module120A.

The voltage source 1400 (first voltage source) outputs a constantvoltage V2 (first voltage) (for example, around 1.0 V). The voltage V2output from the voltage source 1400 is supplied to the collectors of thetransistors that form the bias circuits 430 to 432. The voltage V2 is ata level at which the amplifiers 400 to 402 do not operate.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the configuration of the voltagesource 1400. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the voltage source 1400 includesan operational amplifier OP3 and a p-channel MOSFET (MP11).

The operational amplifier OP3 has a constant voltage Vadd (for example,around 1.0 V) supplied to a non-inverting input terminal thereof, aninverting input terminal thereof is connected to the drain of thep-channel MOSFET (MP11) and an output terminal thereof is connected tothe gate of the p-channel MOSFET (MP11). The voltage V2 is output fromthe drain of the p-channel MOSFET (MP11). In the voltage source 1400,the voltage V2 is controlled by the voltage Vadd through an imaginaryshort circuit between the non-inverting input terminal and the invertinginput terminal of the operational amplifier OP3.

As described above, in the power amplification module 120B, the voltageV2 (for example, around 1.0 V) output from the voltage source 1400 issupplied to the bias circuits 430 to 432. Parasitic capacitance andbypass capacitors can be charged by the voltage V2. Therefore, theresponse time for the voltage Vramp after starting slope control of thetransmission signal can be shortened. The p-channel MOSFET (MP11) may bereplaced with an n-channel MOSFET.

FIG. 16 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module120C, which is an example of the power amplification module 120.Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120B illustrated in FIG. 14 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

The power amplification module 120C includes a switch circuit 1600 inaddition to the elements included in the power amplification module120B. The switch circuit 1600 (first switch circuit) outputs the currentI1 from the current source 450 or the power supply voltage Vcc to thebias circuits 430 to 432 on the basis of a mode signal MODE.

The mode signal MODE indicates a GSM operation mode (first operationmode) in which the bias currents Ibias1 to Ibias3 are controlled inaccordance with the voltage Vramp or an EDGE operation mode (secondoperation mode) in which the bias currents Ibias1 to Ibias3 are notcontrolled in accordance with the voltage Vramp.

In the case of the GSM operation mode, the switch circuit 1600 outputsthe current I1 from the current source 450. In the case of the EDGEoperation mode, the switch circuit 1600 outputs the power supply voltageVcc. Thus, the power amplification module 120C can support the EDGEmode. In addition, the power amplification module 120C need not includethe voltage source 1400.

FIG. 17 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module120D, which is an example of the power amplification module 120.Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120A illustrated in FIG. 4 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

The power amplification module 120D includes a voltage source 1700, aswitch circuit 1710 and a switch control circuit 1720 in addition to theelements included in the power amplification module 120A.

The voltage source 1700 (second voltage source) outputs a voltage V3.The voltage V3 output from the voltage source 1700 changes in accordancewith the mode signal MODE. In the case of the GSM mode, the voltagesource 1700 outputs a constant voltage V3 (second voltage) (for example,around 1.0 V). In the case of the EDGE mode, the voltage source 1700outputs a constant voltage V3 (third voltage) that is higher than thatin the case of the GSM mode.

The switch circuit 1710 (second switch circuit) supplies the current I1output from the current source 450 or the voltage V3 output from thevoltage source 1700 to the bias circuits 430 to 432 on the basis ofcontrol performed by the switch control circuit 1720.

The switch control circuit 1720 controls the switch circuit 1710 on thebasis of the mode signal MODE and the voltage Vramp.

In the case of the EDGE mode, the switch control circuit 1720 controlsthe switch circuit 1710 such that the voltage V3 (for example, powersupply voltage Vcc) output from the voltage source 1700 is supplied tothe bias circuits 430 to 432. Thus, the power amplification module 120Dcan support the EDGE mode.

In the case of the GSM mode, the switch control circuit 1720 controlsthe switch circuit 1710 in accordance with the voltage Vramp.Specifically, in the case where the voltage Vramp is smaller than aprescribed level (for example, 0.2 V), the switch control circuit 1720controls the switch circuit 1710 such that the voltage V3 (for example,around 1.0 V) output from the voltage source 1700 is supplied to thebias circuits 430 to 432. In addition, in the case where the voltageVramp is larger than a prescribed level, the switch control circuit 1720controls the switch circuit 1710 such that the current I1 output fromthe current source 450 is supplied to the bias circuits 430 to 432.

As described above, in the case of the GSM mode, when the voltage Vrampis smaller than the prescribed threshold, the voltage V3 (for example,around 1.0 V) output from the voltage source 1700 is supplied to thebias circuits 430 to 432. Parasitic capacitances and bypass capacitorscan be charged by the voltage V3 before starting the slope control ofthe transmission signal. Therefore, the response time for the voltageVramp after starting slope control of the transmission signal can beshortened. The voltage V3 at this time is at level at which theamplifiers 400 to 402 do not operate.

FIG. 18 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module120E, which is an example of the power amplification module 120.Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120A illustrated in FIG. 4 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

The power amplification module 120E includes a voltage source 1800instead of the current source 450 of the power amplification module120A. The voltage source 1800 (third voltage source) outputs a voltageV4 (fourth voltage) on the basis of the voltage Vramp. The voltage V4 issupplied to the collector of the transistor 600 that forms the biascircuit 430. The voltage V4 is similarly supplied to the bias circuits431 and 432. In the power amplification module 120E, the gains of theamplifiers 400 to 402 are controlled by the voltage V4 being controlledin accordance with the voltage Vramp. The transmission signal issubjected to slope control as a result of the gains of the amplifiers400 to 402 being controlled.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of the configuration of the voltagesource 1800. Elements that are the same as those of the current source450 illustrated in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same symbols anddescription thereof is omitted.

The voltage source 1800 includes an output driver circuit 1900 insteadof the output driver circuit 920 of the current source 450. The outputdriver circuit 1900 has the same configuration as the output drivercircuit 920 except that the output driver circuit 1900 does not includethe p-channel MOSFET (MP10) and the resistor R3 of the output drivercircuit 920.

As described in the description of the current source 450, the voltageVal supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of the operationalamplifier OP2 is (Iout+Ioff)×R2. In addition, the current Iout is acurrent that corresponds to the voltage Vramp. Therefore, the voltage V4(=Va1) of the inverting output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2is a voltage that corresponds to the voltage Vramp. Then, since thecurrent Iout changes in a substantially square relationship with respectto the voltage Vramp, the voltage V4 also changes in a substantiallysquare relationship with respect to the voltage Vramp.

FIG. 20 illustrates the configuration of a power amplification module120F, which is an example of the power amplification module 120.Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120A illustrated in FIG. 4 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

The power amplification module 120F includes a level detection circuit2000A and a voltage control circuit 2010 in addition to the elementsincluded in the power amplification module 120A.

The level detection circuit 2000A is a circuit that outputs a detectedvoltage Vdet that corresponds to the amplified signal RFout. In theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 20, the level detection circuit 2000Aincludes a coupler 2020 and a detector 2030.

The coupler 2020 extracts and then outputs part of the amplified signalRFout output from the amplifier 402.

The detector 2030 detects the signal extracted by the coupler 2020,converts the extracted signal into a voltage and inputs the voltage tothe voltage control circuit 2010. The detected voltage Vdet output fromthe detector 2030 has a level that corresponds to the amplified signalRFout.

The voltage control circuit 2010 is a circuit that controls a voltageVapc (level control voltage) on the basis of the voltage Vramp(reference voltage) and the detected voltage Vdet. In the configurationillustrated in FIG. 20, the voltage control circuit 2010 includes adifferential amplifier 2040 and an error amplifier 2050.

The differential amplifier 2040 amplifies the difference between thedetected voltage Vdet input to the non-inverting input terminal thereofand an offset voltage Voff input to the inverting input terminal thereofand outputs a voltage Vfb. The level of the detected voltage Vdet inputto the non-inverting input terminal corresponds to the level of theamplified signal RFout and therefore the level of the voltage Vfb alsocorresponds to the level of the amplified signal RFout.

The error amplifier 2050 outputs the voltage Vapc (level controlvoltage) obtained by amplifying the difference (error) between thevoltage Vramp input to the non-inverting input terminal thereof and thevoltage Vfb input to the inverting input terminal thereof. The currentsource 450 outputs the current I1 corresponding to the voltage Vapc.

In the power amplification module 120F, the level detection circuit2000A and the voltage control circuit 2010 form a feedback circuit thatcontrols the voltage Vapc (level control voltage) such that theamplified signal RFout comes to have a level that corresponds to thevoltage Vramp (reference voltage). Thus, variations in gain caused bychanges in the power supply voltage, the temperature, the output loadand so forth can be suppressed by using the feedback circuit. A feedbackcircuit may be similarly added to the power amplification modules 120Bto 120E as well.

In addition, although the configuration for the case of a 3-stageamplifier is depicted in the power amplification module 120F illustratedin FIG. 20, the same configuration as in FIG. 20 can be also adopted forthe output of the final-stage amplifier in configurations where there isa different number of stages. The same is true for the other leveldetection circuits 2000B to 2000E described below.

FIG. 21 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit2000B, which is a modification of the level detection circuit 2000A.Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120F illustrated in FIG. 20 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted. In addition, an RF signalinput to the amplifier 402 is denoted as RFin'.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the level detection circuit 2000B includescapacitors C1 and C2 and a low pass filter (LPF) 2100.

One end of the capacitor C1 is connected to one end of the matchingnetwork 423 and the other end of the capacitor C1 is connected to oneend of the capacitor C2. The other end of the capacitor C2 is grounded.The amplified signal RFout is supplied to the one end of the capacitorC1. Thus, the voltage at the connection point between the capacitors C1and C2 is at a level that corresponds to the signal level of theamplified signal RFout.

One end of the low pass filter 2100 is connected to a connection pointbetween the capacitors C1 and C2 and the low pass filter 2100 outputsthe detected voltage Vdet from the other end thereof. The low passfilter 2100 smooths and then outputs the voltage generated at theconnection point between the capacitors C1 and C2. For example, the lowpass filter 2100 can be formed by using a resistor and a capacitor, forexample.

In the level detection circuit 2000B, a detected voltage Vdet thatcorresponds to the signal level of the amplified signal RFout is outputby detecting the voltage at the connection point between the capacitorsC1 and C2. Therefore, in this configuration as well, a feedback circuitcan be formed that controls the voltage Vapc (level control voltage)such that the amplified signal RFout comes to have a level thatcorresponds to the voltage Vramp (reference voltage).

FIG. 22 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit2000C, which is another modification of the level detection circuit2000A. Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120F illustrated in FIG. 20 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the level detection circuit 2000C includes ndiodes 2200, 2201, . . . , 220 n and a low pass filter 2100.

The diodes 2200, 2201, . . . 220 n are connected in series with oneanother. The amplified signal RFout is supplied to the anode of thediode 2200 and the cathode of the diode 220 n is grounded. Transistors,which each have the collector and the base thereof connected to eachother (diode connected), may be used instead of the diodes 2200, 2201, .. . 220 n.

One end of the low pass filter 2100 is connected between any of thediodes 2200, 2201, . . . 220 n and the low pass filter 2100 outputs thedetected voltage Vdet from the other end thereof. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 22, the one end of the low pass filter 2100 isconnected to the anode of the diode 220 n that is closest to the ground,but the position at which the one end of the low pass filter 2100 isconnected is not limited to this.

In the level detection circuit 2000C, a detected voltage Vdet thatcorresponds to the signal level of the amplified signal RFout is outputby detecting the voltage between any of the diodes. Therefore, in thisconfiguration as well, a feedback circuit can be formed that controlsthe voltage Vapc (level control voltage) such that the amplified signalRFout comes to have a level that corresponds to the voltage Vramp(reference voltage). The number (n) of diodes can be appropriatelychosen in accordance with the range of the signal level of the amplifiedsignal RFout.

FIG. 23 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit2000D, which is another modification of the level detection circuit2000A. Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120F illustrated in FIG. 20 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the level detection circuit 2000D includes atransistor 503, a resistor R4 and a low pass filter 2100.

The amplifier 402 includes a transistor 502 similarly to the amplifier400 illustrated in FIG. 5. A RF signal RFin' is input to the base of thetransistor 502 via a capacitor C3. In addition, a bias current Ibias3 issupplied to the base of the transistor 502 via a resistor R5. Thetransistor 503 is replica circuit that is provided in order to detectthe signal level of the amplified signal RFout that flows to thecollector of the transistor 502. The collector of the transistor 503 isconnected to the collector of the transistor 502 and the emitter of thetransistor 503 is grounded (has a common emitter) via the resistor R4.The RF signal RFin' is input to the base of the transistor 503 via acapacitor C4. In addition, the bias current Ibias3 is supplied to thebase of the transistor 503 via a resistor R6. The transistor 503 can bemade to have a smaller size than the transistor 502. For example, in thecase where the transistors are formed using a plurality of unittransistors (fingers), the number of fingers of the transistor 502 canbe made to be N (>1) and the number of fingers of the transistor 503 canbe made to be 1.

Here, the RF signal RFin' is divided between the transistors 502 and 503in accordance with the capacitance ratio between the capacitors C3 andC4. In addition, the resistors R5 and R6 adjust the bias currentssupplied to the bases of the transistors 502 and 503 on the basis of thebias current Ibias3. The resistance values of the resistors R5 and R6can be chosen so that the transistors 502 and 503 come to have the samecurrent densities. Thus, currents of sizes that correspond to the ratiobetween the sizes of the transistors 502 and 503 can be supplied to thetransistors 502 and 503. In other words, the current that flows throughthe transistor 503 has a size that corresponds to the signal level ofthe amplified signal RFout.

The resistor R4 is a resistor (detection resistor) that is provided inorder to detect the current that flows to the transistor 503 and isprovided between the emitter of the transistor 503 and the ground. Theresistance value of the resistor R4 may be around several ohms, forexample.

One end of the low pass filter 2100 is connected to the emitter of thetransistor 503 and the low pass filter 2100 outputs the detected voltageVdet from the other end thereof.

As described above, the level detection circuit 2000D can supply to thetransistor 503 a current that corresponds to the current that flowsthrough the transistor 502. A voltage that corresponds to the signallevel of the amplified signal RFout can be detected by changing thecurrent output from the emitter of the transistor 503 into a voltageusing the resistor R4. Furthermore, by making the transistor 503 thatforms the replica circuit smaller than the transistor 502, power losscan be suppressed compared with a configuration where the current thatflows to the transistor 502 is directly measured. In this configurationas well, a feedback circuit can be formed that controls the voltage Vapc(level control voltage) such that the amplified signal RFout comes tohave a level that corresponds to the voltage Vramp (reference voltage).

FIG. 24 illustrates the configuration of a level detection circuit2000E, which is another modification of the level detection circuit2000A. Constituent elements that are the same as those of the poweramplification module 120F illustrated in FIG. 20 are denoted by the samesymbols and description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the level detection circuit 2000E includesthe transistor 503, p-channel MOSFETs (MP12 and MP13), a resistor R7 andthe low pass filter 2100.

The transistor 503 forms a replica circuit that replicates thetransistor 502 similarly to as in the above-described level detectioncircuit 2000D. The collector of the transistor 503 is connected to thedrain of the p-channel MOSFET (MP12). The transistor 503 has a commonemitter. The configuration of the base of the transistor 503 is the sameas in the level detection circuit 2000D and therefore detaileddescription thereof is omitted here.

The p-channel MOSFETs (MP12 and MP13) are connected to each other in acurrent mirroring manner. Specifically, the p-channel MOSFET (MP12) hasthe power supply voltage Vcc supplied to the source thereof, the gatethereof is connected to the drain thereof and the drain thereof isconnected to the collector of the transistor 503. The p-channel MOSFET(MP13) has the power supply voltage Vdd supplied to the source thereof,the gate thereof is connected to the gate of the p-channel MOSFET (MP12)and the drain thereof is connected to the resistor R7.

The resistor R7 is a resistor (detection resistor) that is provided inorder to detect the current that flows to the p-channel MOSFET (MP13)and is provided between the drain of the p-channel MOSFET (MP13) and theground.

One end of the low pass filter 2100 is connected to the drain of thep-channel MOSFET (MP13) and the low pass filter 2100 outputs thedetected voltage Vdet from the other end thereof.

In the level detection circuit 2000E, a current that corresponds to thecurrent that flows through the transistor 502 flows to the transistor503, similarly to as in the level detection circuit 2000D. Furthermore,as a result of the p-channel MOSFETs (MP12 and MP13) being connected toeach other in a current mirroring manner, the current that flows throughthe p-channel MOSFET (MP13) has a size that corresponds to the currentthat flows through the p-channel MOSFET (MP12). Therefore, the currentthat flows through the p-channel MOSFET (MP13) has a size thatcorresponds to the current that flows through the transistor 502. Thus,a detected voltage Vdet that corresponds to the signal level of theamplified signal RFout is output. Therefore, in this configuration aswell, a feedback circuit can be formed that controls the voltage Vapc(level control voltage) such that the amplified signal RFout comes tohave a level that corresponds to the voltage Vramp (reference voltage).

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove. In the power amplification modules 120A and 120B, the current I1output from the current source 450 is supplied to the collectors of thetransistors that form the bias circuits 430 to 432. A transmissionsignal is subjected to slope control by controlling the current I1 inaccordance with the voltage Vramp. Thus, with the power amplificationmodules 120A and 120B, a transmission signal can be subjected to slopecontrol without the use of a LDO regulator. Therefore, an increase incircuit scale can be suppressed compared with the case where an LDOregulator is used.

Furthermore, in the power amplification modules 120A to 120D, thecurrent I1 changes in a substantially square relationship with respectto the voltage Vramp. Thus, the bias currents Ibias1 to Ibias3 can bemade to change as illustrated in FIG. 8. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 2, it is easy to control the level of the transmission signal sothat the change in the level is not too steep in a region where thetransmission signal rises and to control the level of the transmissionsignal so that the change in the level is not too gentle in the regionwhere the transmission signal falls.

In the power amplification modules 120A to 120B, the current I1 changesin a substantially square relationship with respect to the voltageVramp, but the current I1 is not limited to changing in this typerelationship so long as the current I1 changes in response to thevoltage Vramp. For example, the current I1 may change in a substantiallythird power or higher relationship with respect to the voltage Vramp. Inaddition, the current I1 may change in a substantially proportionalrelationship with respect to the voltage Vramp, for example.

In addition, in the power amplification module 120B, a constant voltageV2 (for example, around 1.0 V) is supplied to the bias circuits 430 to432. Parasitic capacitances and bypass capacitors can be charged by thevoltage V2. Therefore, the response time for the voltage Vramp afterstarting slope control of the transmission signal can be shortened.

Furthermore, in the power amplification module 120C, the switch circuit1600 outputs the current I1 from the current source 450 in the case ofthe GSM operation mode and outputs the power supply voltage Vcc in thecase of the EDGE operation mode. Thus, the power amplification module120C can support the EDGE mode.

In addition, in the power amplification module 120D, the voltage V3 (forexample, around 1.0 V) is supplied to the bias circuits 430 to 432 inthe case where the voltage Vramp is smaller than a prescribed level (forexample, 0.2 V) and the current I1 that corresponds to the voltage Vrampis supplied to the bias circuits 430 to 432 in the case where thevoltage Vramp is larger than a prescribed level (for example 0.2 V).Thus, parasitic capacitances and bypass capacitors can be charged beforestarting the slope control of the transmission signal. Therefore, theresponse time for the voltage Vramp after starting slope control of thetransmission signal can be shortened.

Furthermore, in the power amplification module 120D, the voltage V3 (forexample, power supply voltage Vcc) output from the voltage source 1700is supplied to the bias circuits 430 to 432 in the case of the EDGEmode. Thus, the EDGE mode can be supported.

In addition, in the power amplification module 120E, the voltage V4output from the voltage source 1800 is supplied to the collectors of thetransistors that form the bias circuits 430 to 432. A transmissionsignal is subjected to slope control by controlling the voltage V4 inaccordance with the voltage Vramp. Thus, with the power amplificationmodule 120E, a transmission signal can be subjected to slope controlwithout the use of a LDO regulator. Therefore, an increase in circuitscale can be suppressed compared with the case where an LDO regulator isused.

In addition, in the power amplification module 120E, the voltage V4changes in a substantially square relationship with respect to thevoltage Vramp. Thus, the bias currents Ibias1 to Ibias3 can be made tochange as illustrated in FIG. 8. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, itis easy to control the level of the transmission signal so that thechange in the level is not too steep in a region where the transmissionsignal rises and to control the level of the transmission signal so thatthe change in the level is not too gentle in the region where thetransmission signal falls.

In the power amplification module 120E, the voltage V4 changes in asubstantially square relationship with respect to the voltage Vramp, butthe voltage V4 is not limited to changing in this type relationship solong as the voltage V4 changes in response to the voltage Vramp. Forexample, the voltage V4 may change in a substantially third power orhigher relationship with respect to the voltage Vramp. In addition, thevoltage V4 may change in a substantially proportional relationship withrespect to the voltage Vramp, for example.

Furthermore, in the power amplification module 120F, the detectedvoltage Vdet that corresponds to the signal level of the amplifiedsignal RFout is output from the level detection circuit 2000A and thevoltage Vapc that corresponds to the detected voltage Vdet is outputfrom the voltage control circuit 2010. Thus, feedback control isperformed such that the voltage Vapc input to the current source 450comes to have a level that corresponds to the amplified signal RFout.Thus, with the power amplification module 120F, variations in gaincaused by changes in the power supply voltage, the temperature, theoutput load and so forth can be suppressed.

The purpose of the embodiments described above is to enable easyunderstanding of the present disclosure and the embodiments are not tobe interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. The presentdisclosure can be changed or improved without departing from the gist ofthe disclosure and equivalents to the present disclosure are alsoincluded in the present disclosure. In other words, appropriate designchanges made to the embodiments by a person skilled in the art areincluded in the scope of the present disclosure so long as the changeshave the characteristics of the present disclosure. For example, theelements included in the embodiments and the arrangements, materials,conditions, shapes, sizes and so forth of the elements are not limitedto those exemplified in the embodiments and can be appropriatelychanged. In addition, the elements included in the embodiments can becombined as much as technically possible and such combined elements arealso included in the scope of the present disclosure so long as thecombined elements have the characteristics of the present disclosure.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, it is tobe understood that variations and modifications will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe disclosure. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is to bedetermined solely by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power amplification module comprising: anamplification transistor that has a constant power supply voltagesupplied to a collector of the amplification transistor, that has a biascurrent supplied to a base of the amplification transistor and thatamplifies an input signal input to the base of the amplificationtransistor and outputs an amplified signal from the collector of theamplification transistor; a first current source that outputs a firstcurrent that corresponds to a level control voltage that controls asignal level of the amplified signal; and a bias transistor that has thefirst current supplied to a collector of the bias transistor, a biascontrol voltage connected to a base of the bias transistor and thatoutputs the bias current from an emitter of the bias transistor.
 2. Thepower amplification module according to claim 1, wherein when the levelcontrol voltage is at a second level, a rate of change of the firstcurrent is larger than a rate of change of the first current when thelevel control voltage is at a first level, the second level being higherthan the first level.
 3. The power amplification module according toclaim 1, further comprising: a first voltage source that supplies aconstant first voltage to the collector of the bias transistor.
 4. Thepower amplification module according to claim 2, further comprising: afirst voltage source that supplies a constant first voltage to thecollector of the bias transistor.
 5. The power amplification moduleaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a first switch circuit;wherein when a first operation mode in which the bias current iscontrolled in accordance with the level control voltage, the firstswitch circuit supplies the first current to the collector of the biastransistor; and wherein when a second operation mode in which the biascurrent is not controlled in accordance with the level control voltage,the first switch circuit supplies the power supply voltage to thecollector of the bias transistor.
 6. The power amplification moduleaccording to claim 2, further comprising: a first switch circuit;wherein when a first operation mode in which the bias current iscontrolled in accordance with the level control voltage, the firstswitch circuit supplies the first current to the collector of the biastransistor; and wherein when a second operation mode in which the biascurrent is not controlled in accordance with the level control voltage,the first switch circuit supplies the power supply voltage to thecollector of the bias transistor.
 7. The power amplification moduleaccording to claim 3, further comprising: a first switch circuit;wherein when a first operation mode in which the bias current iscontrolled in accordance with the level control voltage, the firstswitch circuit supplies the first current to the collector of the biastransistor; and wherein when a second operation mode in which the biascurrent is not controlled in accordance with the level control voltage,the first switch circuit supplies the power supply voltage to thecollector of the bias transistor.
 8. The power amplification moduleaccording to claim 2, further comprising: a first switch circuit;wherein when a first operation mode in which the bias current iscontrolled in accordance with the level control voltage, the firstswitch circuit supplies the first current to the collector of the biastransistor; and wherein when a second operation mode in which the biascurrent is not controlled in accordance with the level control voltage,the first switch circuit supplies the power supply voltage to thecollector of the bias transistor.
 9. The power amplification moduleaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a second voltage source thatgenerates a constant second voltage; and a second switch circuit,wherein when the level control voltage is smaller than a prescribedlevel, the second switch circuit supplies the second voltage to thecollector of the bias transistor, and wherein when the level controlvoltage is larger than a prescribed level, the second switch circuitsupplies the first current to the collector of the bias transistor. 10.The power amplification module according to claim 2, further comprising:a second voltage source that generates a constant second voltage; and asecond switch circuit, wherein when the level control voltage is smallerthan a prescribed level, the second switch circuit supplies the secondvoltage to the collector of the bias transistor, and wherein when thelevel control voltage is larger than a prescribed level, the secondswitch circuit supplies the first current to the collector of the biastransistor.
 11. The power amplification module according to claim 9,wherein when a first operation mode in which the bias current iscontrolled in accordance with the level control voltage, the secondswitch circuit supplies the second voltage to the collector of the biastransistor when the level control voltage is smaller than a prescribedlevel and supplies the first current to the collector of the biastransistor when the level control voltage is larger than a prescribedlevel, and when a second operation mode in which the bias current is notcontrolled in accordance with the level control voltage, the secondvoltage source generates a constant third voltage that is higher thanthe second voltage and the second switch circuit supplies the thirdvoltage to the collector of the bias transistor.
 12. The poweramplification module according to claim 10, wherein when a firstoperation mode in which the bias current is controlled in accordancewith the level control voltage, the second switch circuit supplies thesecond voltage to the collector of the bias transistor when the levelcontrol voltage is smaller than a prescribed level and supplies thefirst current to the collector of the bias transistor when the levelcontrol voltage is larger than a prescribed level, and when a secondoperation mode in which the bias current is not controlled in accordancewith the level control voltage, the second voltage source generates aconstant third voltage that is higher than the second voltage and thesecond switch circuit supplies the third voltage to the collector of thebias transistor.
 13. The power amplification module according to claim1, further comprising: a level detection circuit that outputs a detectedvoltage that corresponds to the signal level of the amplified signal;and a voltage control circuit that controls the level control voltage onthe basis of a reference voltage and the detected voltage.
 14. The poweramplification module according to claim 13, wherein the voltage controlcircuit controls the level control voltage on the basis of the referencevoltage and the detected voltage such that the signal level of theamplified signal comes to have a value that corresponds to the referencevoltage
 15. A power amplification module comprising: an amplificationtransistor that has a constant power supply voltage supplied to acollector of the amplification transistor, that has a bias currentsupplied to a base of the amplification transistor and that amplifies aninput signal input to the base of the amplification transistor andoutputs an amplified signal; a third voltage source that outputs afourth voltage that corresponds to a level control voltage that controlsa signal level of the amplified signal; and a bias transistor that hasthe fourth voltage supplied to a collector of the bias transistor, abias control voltage supplied to a base of the bias transistor and thatoutputs the bias current from an emitter of the bias transistor.
 16. Thepower amplification module according to claim 15, wherein when the levelcontrol voltage is at a second level, a rate of change of the fourthvoltage is larger than a rate of change of the fourth voltage when thelevel control voltage is at a first level, the second level being higherthan the first level.
 17. The power amplification module according toclaim 15, further comprising: a level detection circuit that outputs adetected voltage that corresponds to the signal level of the amplifiedsignal; and a voltage control circuit that controls the level controlvoltage on the basis of a reference voltage and the detected voltage.18. The power amplification module according to claim 17, wherein thevoltage control circuit controls the level control voltage on the basisof the reference voltage and the detected voltage such that the signallevel of the amplified signal comes to have a value that corresponds tothe reference voltage.
 19. The power amplification module according toclaim 3, further comprising: a level detection circuit that outputs adetected voltage that corresponds to the signal level of the amplifiedsignal; and a voltage control circuit that controls the level controlvoltage on the basis of a reference voltage and the detected voltage.20. The power amplification module according to claim 10, furthercomprising: a level detection circuit that outputs a detected voltagethat corresponds to the signal level of the amplified signal; and avoltage control circuit that controls the level control voltage on thebasis of a reference voltage and the detected voltage.